The course and curriculum
The University of the Free State is now offering an exciting, inter-disciplinary honours degree in Film and Visual Media. Our programme is unique because students will integrate film history and theory with making their own short films. The two parts enrich one another, so students’ practical work is conceptually much stronger, and their written work is more balanced.
The programme is presented as a full-time, one-year course through the following three compulsory modules (although students are welcome to enquire about the possibility of completing just one module):
History of Film (FVMH6800)
In History of Film, students are introduced to how film has developed from the earliest examples to classic Hollywood and South African films.
Approaches to the moving image (FVMA6800)
In this module, students will learn to contextualise film in terms of the various theoretical and critical approaches which will help them to better understand the philosophy of film and its relationship to society.
Research report aligned with studio research (FVMR6800)
The research project in this case involves students creating a short film/documentary/music video AND writing a research report (“mini-dissertation”) based on their own film.
Our staff
Students will have the opportunity to study under highly qualified staff from various disciplines, under internationally renowned film scholars and under experienced professionals from the local film and television industry.
Our facilities
Students will have access to the brand new UFS Film Studio, which is fully equipped with state of the art cameras, microphones and lights, and where they will also have the chance to work with top of the range editing suites.
Screenings and lectures will also take place in comfortable venues with excellent audio-visual facilities.
After your studies
This degree prepares students for various positions related to film and television (including writing, directing and production.) In addition, the degree also prepares students for careers related to writing about film, such as film reviewers or film historians.
Students could also continue their studies with the Masters degree in Film & Visual Media offered by the UFS, or with a similar qualification at another institution.
With the completion of a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) students can also become teachers or other educators in film and visual media.
Admission requirements
Admissions are limited and subject to specific admission requirements and selection by the film programme committee. For example, students should have completed a related, relevant BA degree with a minimum achievement level of 65% and should have completed certain prerequisite modules in their BA degree, such as Drama & Theatre Arts, Art History, Literature Studies or Philosophy.
Please email us for the complete list at filmandvisualmedia@ufs.ac.za.
Students who are interested should start applying by August of the year prior to the year they plan to complete the honours degree.
Contact details
For more information,
E: filmandvisualmedia@ufs.ac.za
or you could make an appointment with the
Programme Director:
Prof Suzanne Human
Mabaleng Building Office C20, UFS Bloemfontein Campus
E: HumanE@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2315